Monday, March 05, 2012

Mr. Gnome: The Way

The spectacularly odd Mr. Gnome are releasing a digital 7” (not sure I get this concept, either) on March 20th. In circulation now through MTV Hive is the song, “The Way,” which is a drifting Casio-powered ballad that's sort dreamy next to the oft-loud guitar rock that comprised a greater portion of their last album, Madness In Miniature.

One very glaring instance of me dropping the ball in 2011 was never getting around to reviewing Mr. Gnome’s Madness In Miniature, which I did enjoy. So, in an effort to redeem myself, here are some tracks to check out and some info to absorb. There's also a link to stream the LP and a new video for the single, "House Of Circles."

All information is courtesy of Terrorbird Media.

Mr. Gnome Premieres New Track "The Way" on MTV Hive, New 7" Softly Mad out March 20th on El Marko Records

The duo of Nicole Barille and Sam Meister -- aka Cleveland's Mr. Gnome -- are going big in 2012, and things are just about to get started. They recently announced the upcoming release of their new digital 7" Softly Mad, out March 20th on El Marko Records. MTV Hive premiered one of those new tracks, the brooding A-side "The Way," which shows a more restrained side of the band that was previously only hinted at on Madness In Miniature. That genre-obliterating album caused Rolling Stone Magazine to give them the coveted "Band To Watch" title last year. The new single includes two b-sides from the Madness In Miniature sessions, were recorded in their basement studio during a dark Cleveland winter, and were mixed by Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Tegan & Sara, Secret Machines).

Like the previous album Heave Yer Skeleton (2009), the new record was recorded at Josh Homme's (Queens of the Stone Age/Them Crooked Vultures) Pink Duck Studios in Los Angeles. The Madness in Miniature sessions signal the band’s second opportunity to partner with Pink Duck Studio Manager and Engineer, Justin Smith (QOTSA, Eagles of Death Metal, Arctic Monkeys, Them Crooked Vultures) as well. Portland’s Beau Sorenson, who mixed the previous two albums, also returns. Barille and Meister bring an unfiltered approach to their craft, allowing for emotional and sonic variance. The duo's mood swings are mirrored by the band's surreal album artwork, photography, and videowork, all created by Barille and Meister themselves.

The intricately woven musical tapestries and hallucinogenic interludes pounded out by the duo represent an expansion and perfection of the stylistic character Mr. Gnome had previously become synonymous. Don't miss your chance to see them in the flesh. ***

Mr. Gnome - Softly Mad Out March 20th on El Marko RecordsTracklist: The Way Still Life